NC500 0n the Royal Enfield Classic 350! Pt 1 of 3
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- čas přidán 25. 05. 2023
- I rode the NC 500 riding over 860 miles in 3 days on my Royal Enfield Classic 350, from Dunbar in East Lothian, joining the NC500 route at Spey Bridge and road a clockwise direction with two nights camping, The 350 was perfect up on the highland roads and returning over 100 mpg!,
This first of 3 films covers the west coast from Spean Bridge to Durness,
Pt 2 of 3 will cover the North section of the route, Durness to Dunnet Head,
And Pt 3 will cover the east coast section returning to Spey Bridge.
Below are some links from previous visits and blog posts on places of interest worth a stop at for a look around on the west side of the NC 500,
Gairloch WW2 B24 Liberator Crash Site;
coastkid.blogspot.com/2011/07/...
Loch Ewe WW2 history;
coastkid.blogspot.com/2011/07/...
Guinard Island aka Anthrax Island!;
coastkid.blogspot.com/2011/07/...
Sutherlands scenery;
coastkid.blogspot.com/2011/07/...
A list of Campsites on the NC500;
www.findingtheuniverse.com/no...
Thanks for watching, leave a like or a comment and consider subscribing ,
Cheers Bruce
If you enjoyed this check out my playlist for my Royal enfield Classic 350, thanks!
• Royal Enfield Classic 350
Great wee film Bruce. The commando memorial was sculpted by Scott Sutherland, who taught my mother when she was at dundee art school. She was one of his favourite pupils and let her sculpt the left boot of the front soldier.
That’s fantastic info dondle2!
It’s an amazing memorial to an amazing unit that does them all proud
Cheers Bruce
Beautiful scenery. I must venture up to Scotland. The RE looks like it was in its natural habitat. The other bikes we saw looked a little OTT and out of place.
Hi Kevin, for touring in Scotland those Royal Enfield 350 J series engines are perfect! You can use all the power and get great mpg and comfort even on the stock saddle! 😁👍👍👍
Cheers Bruce
Bruce you legend! Embarrassed to say I've only spent time in Glasgow. Now that's living!..
🎉Freedom! Sorry had to get that in there..
Dan get yourself up there for a weekend, even on a train and soak up some of that scenery, makes you proud to be Scottish, and free! 😁👍👊
Cheers Bruce
@@Coastriderscotland i would Bruce, id come and have a cup of tea with you only I live in rural Thailand now.
My "Evil Edna" enjoys the paddie fields off road and local rural tracks.. But i was with yer in spirit Bruce! Thanks again for your work. Im not the only one looking forward to part II. Living the dream! 👍
Brilliant video, very like the part of Ireland I live. I must do this spin it is beautiful landscape.
It’s a must do trip Eagle Ridge 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Brilliant, BUT what a change. My ex wife was from that part of the woods, and as you say you would have the whole place to yourself. It looks soooo busy now !
Hi John, I have pictures fro a trip in 1990 I should scan for a film as the place is deserted!
Thankfully the coastal views and mountains are still the same 😁👍
Beautiful and amazing scenery... from Oregon U.S.
Hi Stephen, thanks and more to come, Pt 2 along the northern coast will air tomorrow evening! 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Thank you for showing me scotland
Best wishes from Germany 👍
Hi Christian, your welcome, Scotland is a relatively small country but it is packed of wonderful places to visit steeped in history!
Pt 2 of 3 film online now, Pt 3 will be Friday evening 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
I have really enjoyed this.
I live in Warro land but, in a different State; way down on the South East coast of Australia.
I have travelled many of these roads and love Scotland.
At 83, my wife will not permit another bike, sadly.
I could just go out and buy one but, she would be really worried so; l just enjoy RE blogs , like yours, Warros and Uncle Stu Fillingham.
I shal just remain envious.
Stay safe !!
Thanks for watching and glad your enjoying the films from across the other side of the world 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Great video Bruce, thanks so much for posting. John in Sydney, Australia.
Very welcome John! Weather has been stunning here since I was up there! But I still had fun despite no always views of mountain tops! 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
When I Go around on my URAL on the freeway l go in the slow lane and I love 💕 when people slow down and film me on their phone. My 250 BSA Starfire cruises at 65 mph 2 up at a relaxed pace.
Urals are cool machines! A friend has one from the 70’s but he says he would love the older pushrod engine but likes the electric start when he is feeling lazy! 😁👍
@@Coastriderscotland My bike is a1999 1/2 first year with electric starting. Now that I have a bad leg I appreciate that feature.
I had a ‘76 CB 200 T lol .
Great bikes
Another great video.
Cool, thanks! 😁👍👍
Stunning area to drive, terrific scenery , almost making me feel homesick.... Almost 😂...
*Crap Game* 🎉
First of a few big trips planned for this summer in Scotland! More to come! 👍😁
Excellent, Bruce. Love it.
Thanks John, so lucky to have all this scenery a few hours away! 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
Thanks Bruce. Great job. Enjoyed your video. God bless.
HAPPY TRAILS
Thanks 👍 😁
Roughly enjoyed this video. Watched it on tv in bedroom. I love Ullapool, try and visit, as often as I can.
Looking forward to the rest of your trip.
Would like to do some of this my self. But, due to health now, couple of nights only. Hopefully I get to see my friends The Johnny cash duo in Lochcarron, then Ullapool.
It’s a bit of a drive, but gonna try. Just have rest stops.
Will probably watch video again…….cheers.
Worth the drive indeed as such a lovely area of Scotland Mark 👍
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it 😁
Cheers Bruce
Before i rode motobikes did all of this in a ford capri in 1974...(yeah im that old😖😂) long before it was called nc 500 but altho i was born in co durham i had not seen expanse of moorland like that section to durness ...wee 350 did a grand job ..
Must of not seen a soul up there in 1974!, I remember the A9 going through a lot of the villages that are now bypassed 😁
The vastness of the scenery for such a small corner of Scotland is impressive up at Durness
Fantastic Bruce. Reminds me of the Cape Breaton Highlands in Nova Scotia. My stepfather was a Matheson. He served in the merchant marines out of Halifax NS during the war running supplies to England. Mini subs and the sinking of the Bismark are indeed a huge part of WWII history. I believe there is a mini sub wreck at Aberlady Bay. The RE is certainly chewing up those roads. Can't wait for the rest of the menu ! Cheers 🥃
Hi Lance, family connection! 😁👍 our surname spelling is the rarer ‘ie’ Mathieson,
There are indeed 2 XT sub wrecks in Aberlady Bay, here in East Lothian !, they are 2 of 6 training subs moored hence the T in XT classification
Here is the blog post link;
coastkid.blogspot.com/2012/01/ww2-xt-class-submarine-wrecks-aberlady.html
The Classic 350 was in its element here! Next film on Wednesday evening!
Cheers Bruce
@@Coastriderscotland Thanks, can't wait. Very nice work on the X-subs. 😎
Love your videos, thank you for inspiring the rest of us. Greetings from North Yorkshire.
Thanks for watching Kieth, were off up there again first week of May, 4 bikes and a slightly tweaked route and more a NC 250 on west side of coast 😁👍👍
The price of a new Royal Enfield 350 is more than whyI paid for my whole collection of my BSA 250 singles. With the roads you have it is easy to see Why the British motorcycles were 250-500 singles and 500-650 twins for so long. The motorcycles were perfectly suited for the roads and the weather. Cheap and cheerful as they used to say. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Glad you enjoyed the rides 😁👍
Brilliant that, brings back memories I did it in 1995 on a cb1000 big one. Like you said it’s got a lot busier
Hi Neil, you used to see no one up there for hours! 😁 changed days but with it more fuel stops now 24hr and shops open 7 days a week 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
@@Coastriderscotland i remember traveling the A830 fort William to mallaig 70mph it was 20 minutes before I saw another car. Brilliant times.
Absolutely beautiful scenery. Loverly bike... Perfect😊
Thank you, and yep get the right weather there and it is simply breathtaking scenery 👍
Cheers Bruce
Just giving out likes; 2023 halcyon green Classic from Chicago here
Hi Mischa, nice to hear from you across the pond! 😁👍
More films on my 350 coming soon!
Cheers Bruce
Awesome video, been there a few times as an ex lived there! And I'm pretty sure it was Monty Halls Great Escape you're on about with that hut, I've been inside and thought it was quite cosy!
I'm looking at downsizing from my CBF600, which is 222kg to nice light Hunter 350, so it's good to see that the Classic 350 is so capable once run in!
Hi, yep Monty’s Great Escape! 😁👍 the wee 350 motors are proving to be great with a lot of happy owners 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
What a great Part 1 Bruce, I know these roads so well and it takes my breath away every time I revisit! An early start is the only way to go. Amazing photos!
It’s a dream come true riding the Classic 350 through such stunning scenery! 👍😁
Figure I passed you at Macmerry ish about 4.30 Thursday on way up west, sorry my wave was late! Did north coast in 77 and kylesku was a ferry! Utterly delightful roads. Don’t think it’s possible to better in good weather anywhere, we’re so fortunate to live in Scotland. As you mentioned Lochcarron , 75 first year there on bike, there were no trees , it was awesome view. Keep up the films they are a tonic!
Well, I can say I was glued to the screen!
Scotland, you can see pictures, or even in movies - but it falls short compared to seeing from a riders perspective.
As a soldier myself, I'd like to salute the valiant allies that fell fighting the greatest tyranny of our era. o7
Be safe out there, I am looking forward to part 2!
Hi Julian, so much military history in Scotland with some of the most famous regiments, good younger generations are learning about what these young men some just boys did and for many made the ultimate sacrifice, my bloodline grandfather is buried in Venrey Holland killed at Market Garden 1944, we owe all or soldiers past and present so much, here today because of them…
Next film Pt 2 be on Wednesday evening
Cheers Bruce
Love this bike just ordered one for march . Can wait to get up to Scotland we have a loch named after us loch skeen just need to find it . Blogs are great made me buy a signal 350
Thanks for watching and glad your enjoying the channel, and appreciate you coming to say so 😁👍
Loch Skeen is just north east of Moffat in the Scottish Borders! 😁👍👍
Thank you it will be worth the visit beautiful place Scotland . Visited few years ago when Paul lawrie one the open at carnoustie
Great film, I have the meteor 350 fantastic bikes !
Hi James, the J series engine bikes are proving to be great bikes at an amazing price! 😁👍👍
@Coastriderscotland couldn't agree more, Royal Enfield really hit the nail on the head with these bikes. My meteor is my first bike and I adore it.
Been so looking forward to this, what scenery you’ve packed light too, some fit cyclists going up that hill, just love that thump thump
Hi Stanley, I cycled the pass years ago and it buckled my legs! 🤣
The Enfield was singing its heart out! 😁👍👍👍
Excellent footage Bruce, I'm looking forward to getting back up the Highlands, we normally start at the Erskine Bridge and head up, Commando monument, Skye then up to Durness across to Scrabster then ferry to Orkney back over then east coast down to Braemar and home, like you say taking your time a seeing things is the key, many a time you get passed by the GS crew doing 100mph so they can do their 500 miles a day😮, not for me slow and steady and the wee enfield is perfect imo, atb Chris
Thanks Chris and that sounds a great route you have!, so true about the 500 miles a day riders! 🤣😁👍
Brilliant scenery and commentary, also thoroughly respect the homage you paid to the many brave souls that feared none in protecting the life and liberty of their country, lives lost but not in vein. I commend you for your time and effort to bring these videos to remind us of the sacrifices those brave individuals gave. Nothing but the highest regards. Cheers, -Steve-
Thank you Steve, i think every family was effected in some way by the second world war and so much history is still being discovered and good younger generations are told about it for sure
Cheers Bruce
Beautiful country.
Mods on your bike are so practical and utilitarian.
🇮🇳❤️
Thanks, the bikes doing great and nearly at 10,000 miles so be a in-depth review film in October 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Enjoyed that.
Thanks for taking us along. And thanks for stopping at the memorials, especially Spean bridge.
Thanks C. D. Great to share our history in films, and pay our respects to those brave men
Cheers Bruce
For me to do the NC 500 would be a total of 1700 miles door to door! As I live in Bournemouth.
That would be some trip Christopher! 😁
Thank you for taking us on your journey.
Your welcome Johnathan 😁 glad you enjoyed them 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
brilliant video - thank you! (pretty sure it was the Tirpitz that the midget subs were after though?)
Hi Ian, I was that knackered next day I started editing there are a few mistakes in my waffle! It was indeed the Tirpitz 👍
Cheers Bruce
Loved it. I think the road fae Applecross to Shieldaig is my favourite road. Starts off quite fast, but gets tight and twisty, up and down. Splendid.
It’s a fantastic ride over there Smokey ! 😁👍👍👍
Unfortunately, when I did Bealach na Bà a year ago it was mist, high winds and sideways rain. I saw none of what you saw. I tried to stop at the top viewing point, but the wind was so strong I feared that it would put my bike over, so couldn't stop.
Sounds like a good excuse to revisit! Never knew there were so many camper vans on the U.K. roads! Apart from that nowadays it’s still a stunning route 👍😁
@@Coastriderscotland I was stunned, not by just the camper vans, but the flocks of push bike riders, that would just pop-up in the most inhospitable places in flocks 10-20 or more. It was crazy. The other thing I saw tons of was logging juggernauts that would suddenly appear (coming my way) in the narrowest single track roads. NONE of them were in the least concerned about motorbike riders needing to use the same road.
Wow, great video. Nc500 is on my wish list. it looks stunning. Safe trip, looking forward to part 2.
It’s a must do Phil! 👍👍👍
Cheers Bruce
Hi Bruce, loved watching part one of your NC500 trip. I’ve been on those roads so many times that I know every singe corner. It’s a part of Scotland that is just stunning (I know I use that word too much in my videos 🤣), like you, I just love riding on those roads. Really like how you add so much military history, very interesting.
I’ll be up that way in a few weeks on the Bonneville, like the Classic 350, a bike ideal for these roads.
Looking forward to part 2 👍😁
Tiger Ness
Thanks TM it is indeed stunning up there around the coast even if busier with the NC500 attracting more visitors but still fun 👍😁
Pt 2 be ready soon and will post Wednesday evening! 👍
Cheers Bruce
Why go fast when you have such beautiful scenery to look at and enjoy.
Loads to soak up all around in the countryside and in a motorcycle unlike a car you can look around you over hedges etc 👍
I watch alot of video's on bikers touring,I tour on my own. I have to say you're bar far the best I've ever watched,full of knowledge and information,cheers mate 👍
Thank you so much for kind words and glad you enjoy the films, loads more places to visit soon and film!
Cheers Bruce
Enfield classic country right enough. Sounds brilliant humming away. Brilliant footage, Bruce 👍🏻
Thanks Stevie! In its element up on those roads!, Pt 2 along the north coast will be up Wednesday 6pm and Pt 3 down the east coast Friday 6pm 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
@coastkid71 brilliant can't wait. On another note I was over at Cultybraggan Camp Comrie and it was full of WW2 vehicles got photos if you want?
Cheers
Stevie
@@stevieneilson2451 aye saw some pics from the show on Facebook by friend Tam who was there, some nice vehicles inc a half track 😁👍👍👍
Thank you so much for creating this. This would be a trip of a lifetime.
Glad you enjoyed these films, a must do trip on any motorcycle, and if you get the weather as i did then its like heaven up there! 😁👍👍
Cheers Bruce
I’m from the US and this would require a lot of planning. What would be the best time of year to make this trip and are there any good motorcycle guided tour companies you would recommend? I have a Hunter 350 and would love to rent and make the trip on a Royal Enfield.
@@ontheway4034 hi Greg, i dont know straight off tour or rental companies but I’m going to enquire for you and will hopefully get back to you 👍
Drop me your email contact and i will try forward you anything i find cheers Bruce email; coastkid71@yahoo.co.uk
Lovely video on some of my favourite roads. I try to get across on the ferry once a month for a long weekend - absolutely stunning roads and scenery, you just can’t tire of it although, as you said, you do take it for granted after a while 🤭
Hi Tim. Yep we’re real lucky having all this here! 😁👍
Will return another weekend soon and ride some other roads not been on for years like Lairg to Tounge away through the hills
Beautiful...like being in another world.
Only really driven some of those roads then walked the hills but hoping to do it all on my bicycle one day.
Lochcarron: my bestie found a ceremonial bronze axe head down by the shore when she was just 12 years old. Its now in the museum in Inverness.
Looking forward to the next part!
Wow that’s a find! Just lying there! Amazing 😁👍 pt 2 be up Wed evening 👍😁
@@Coastriderscotland looking forward to it.
That part of the world seems empty if you don't know what you're looking at...always magical.
Thanks so much for taking the effort to post this video mate, I loved it. I just ordered a Classic 350 and after watching this I can wait for delivery even less than before!! These lovely little bikes seem to make such a gorgeous sound - a warm, friendly, rumbling burble. As for the NC500, it looks like you need to get the weather - I bet you 'd have a horrendous time up there if it was blowing a gale! I'd love to give it a try but I'm down in S.Buckinghamshire so I'd ride further trying to get to the start line than on the ride itself! Thanks again though mate - loved it.
Hi Julian thanks for watching and coming to leave a reply, much appreciate it! 😁👍
You will love riding the Wee Enfield! Such a lovely bike capable of so much! 😁👍👍👍
Cheers Bruce
Absolutely brilliant Bruce. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Here was me thinking you had enjoyed superb weather, wrong ! Still added to the atmosphere. Looking forward to part two. Thanks for putting these together.
Enjoyed editing up as reliving a great trip Ian, glad you enjoyed it, Pt 2 will be ready to publish Wednesday evening! 😁👍👍👍
Cheers Bruce
Another great video Bruce. Familiar roads but really enjoyed seeing the Royal Enfield make it's way around.
Thanks Jamie, the bike was perfect for highland touring 😁👍
Will give you a shout next time I’m up as will ride anti clockwise 😁👍
Great video Bruce 👍 That wee Enfield looks like just the job for that trip.
Have you never considered putting a screen on it ?
Hi David, the bike was ideal and never missed a beat and amazing on fuel, over 100mpg!
Not thought about a screen, I quite like the open cockpit, but would definitely consider for a faster bike for motorway type riding 👍
Cheers Bruce
Cracking video love the bike 👍👍
Hi Allan, thank you!, the Enfield was in its element on those Highland roads! Cheers Bruce
Excellent video well done. Ive done part of the route back in 2017 in my little MG TF and also stayed a few times in Drumbeg . Assynt is so wild and such beautiful scenery. Whilst touring l saw people on large expensive adventure bikes. You proved it on the RE 350 . You don't have to have big and expensive bikes to have an adventure and fun. Looking forward to part 2. Carl.👍
The Classic 350 was perfect for highland roads Carl and light enough to move about parking up for pics etc, not to mention 1/4 to 1/2 the price of those big tourer bikes! 😁👍
Stunning scenery even when not sunshine 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
@@Coastriderscotland I concur - it was so great showing off the long-ride capabilities of this beautiful bike. I think too many frown on the lack of HP for long distances, but when you really think about it, it has more than most cars did for the first few decades of their existence and they got by just fine, didn't they?! I think there is a clear bias by some riders that 350 isn't going to cut it. Well, I say...there it is! Good on ya, Bruce.
I like the colour, looks like it's from WW2.
Hi, thanks, looking at the prices of WW2 despatch soaring and the reality of daily riding an 80 year old bike I thought I would diy a new Classic 350 and get most of the looks with the added ease of use for daily transport 👍 from a distance only the disc brakes give it away,
A 500 Bullet would be even better looking for a despatch bike but they too are going up in price now they have stopped making them,
Cheers Bruce
Great Respect to these Soldiers and the Memorial, the bike fitted in well with the Memorial, lovely scenery 👌 👍
Love the look of the R E , like stepping back in time but with a modern engineering. The more I see & hear about these bikes the more I want one 😊 great video, stay safe .
Hi Carl, thanks for leaving a comment, much appreciate it 👍
The Classic 350 is a great wee bike and as you mention so many happy owners all have the same opinions of riding them 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Beautiful video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much Dave and glad you enjoyed the NC500 films 😁
Cheers Bruce
Another wee ripper, cheers.
Was great fun!, Pt 2 along the North coast will be ready soon and published Wednesday, stay tuned! 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
excellent video
Thank you, Pt 2 next Wednesday evening! 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
Just discovered your channel as I’m looking at an RE350 myself. Really good stuff and enjoying your vids. The wee bothy at Sand Applecross was Monty Halls’ Great Escape. 👍
Hi Steve and thanks for coming across to say hi 😁
I have loads more films to make on my 350, such a lovely bike to own and ride 😁👍👍👍
Cheers Bruce
Brilliant to see someone doing this on a normal bike instead of the usual GS
Hi John, the 350 was brilliant fi tiding the route, all the real world power you need and ability to u turn feet up easily on singletrack 😁 roads to stop for pictures etc, absolutely love this bike! 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Nice to ride along with you on the REC350 while you ride the NC500, and enjoy your enthusiasm (the low cloud is a feature, not a fault). 🙂
Hi Alex yes the cloud is indeed a feature and I should not moan about it!, it does add to the atmosphere 😁👍
Cheers Bruce
Great vid want to do the nc500 only pain i have is i live in devon lol
Were going back up in a weeks time but this time just doing the west coast side with some other nice roads thrown in, calling it the NC 250 west side 😜😁👍
good vid mate,whats the spec's of those tyres,trade name etc?they look confident on the road,what they like in the wet? they top off the bike bang on-love your riding bro.
Hi Luke, tyres are HEIDENAU K60 in exactly same metric sizes, fine on wet roads, here them buzzing through tunnels etc but apart from that perfect tyres for country roads 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
Mulțumim!
Your welcome! Thanks for watching and your support by commenting 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
Hi . that exhaust sounds GREAT. is it stock ? cheers thanks 4 videos
Hi the silencer is a shorter stubby bottle silencer I bought cheap on eBay for about £50 posted from India, it’s a bit louder but not too loud to spook horses etc 😁👍
Castle shortbread.
Aye it’s the classic highland castle on a wee island surround by stunning scenery Mark 😁👍👍👍
Cheers Bruce
Hi Bruce.
Great vid.
Done the 500 in the wifes little MX5.
We prefered the west side to the east but still a great journey
I'm down sizing from my Vulcan vn900 and the little Enfield classic 350 has really caught my eye .
Mainly as im an old school rider and like chrome and burnished alloy.
Only one question mate IYO now its run in whats its sweet spot for cruising ?
As I've heard various views .
Thanks in advance
Happy riding .
Lee
Hi Lee the 350 Classic is sweet between 50 and 60 in top gear but I offer sit at 65mph and if does not feel stressed at that, as a A and B road bike it’s perfect, I did short motorway sections on M90 going up and heading home and it handled it ok as the inside lane was not going too quick, you will not be disappointed with the bike , it’s a mindset attitude that you will have coming from older bikes 👍😁
Cheers Bruce
@@Coastriderscotland Thanks mate that sounds perfect for me even on my 900 I rarely go beyond 65 max and mainly 55 on A/B roads ( hate motorways, boring) so 55/60 will do me fine
I think some people are not realistic about these retro bikes and the market they are aimed at.
Hi, thanks for your video’s! What tires have you on your Classic 350?
Hi here you go 😁👍
czcams.com/video/xU83QYM2pbE/video.htmlsi=xJw-CvrJzLIMV7Wi
perfect bike for that .. .. .. i couldnt be arsed with a 1250 gs bmw... way too big
Hi, thanks for watching and leaving a comment 😁
the 350 was perfect and in its element on those Singletrack roads, enough power and speed for highland roads 👍😁
CheersBruce
Just curious if you have ever been pulled over for your illegal front plate?
Hi Lee not yet 😜😁👍
I took the B&W rear off (on top of yellow with Velcro) for the A9 as traffic cops and cameras etc 👍
@@Coastriderscotland Seems a bit of a silly law. Why is it ok for a pre 2001 bike, but not later? It makes no sense.
👍🖼️✌️🇨🇵
Thank you Alain 😁